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Biochemists study the chemical processes of living organisms and the changes which take place during the development of the organisms.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Biochemists may:

Perform research to determine the action of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on the tissues and processes of living things

Isolate, analyze, and identify hormones, vitamins, allergens (substances that cause allergies), minerals, and enzymes, and determine their effects on body functions

Study the chemistry of living processes to find the causes of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease

Develop better ways to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds such as pesticides

Conduct research to find methods of transferring characteristics from one type of organism to another, such as developing disease resistant strains of field crops

Analyze food products to measure nutritional value and determine the effect of cooking, canning, and processing on this value

Perform diagnostic tests and develop new tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other abnormalities

Develop and test new drugs

Design or build special lab equipment required in their work

Prepare reports and recommendations based on their research

Machines, tools, and equipment used include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

041.061-026 BIOCHEMISTS may specialize in many different areas of biochemistry, such as clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, enzyme chemistry, protein chemistry, and steroid chemistry. Some Biochemists combine research with teaching in colleges and universities. They all study the chemical processes of living organisms and the changes which take place during the development of those organisms.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Biochemists may work alone or as a member of a team. Biochemists with advanced degrees generally have laboratory assistants to do routine work. They may work under a research director or may supervise a research team depending on their position.

Most Biochemists work in laboratories that are well equipped, well lighted, and well ventilated. Those who teach spend time in classrooms in addition to laboratory work. Although Biochemists work with plants, animals, and microorganisms which may cause illness or disease, the work is not generally dangerous if the proper safety procedures are observed.

Biochemists working in research laboratories generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Schedules may be less regular and overtime may be required when Biochemists are working on special projects or must meet deadlines. College and university professors must usually prepare for and teach classes for part of the day. The remainder of the day is spent on research projects or performing administrative duties. In addition to their regular work, Biochemists may spend many additional hours reading professional journals, attending meetings, and preparing research papers or articles for publication.

Biochemists may join professional associations, such as the American Society of Biological Chemists and the American Chemical Society and pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Performing activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Using technical knowledge to solve problems

You Should Be Able To:

• Have above average intelligence

• Have above average verbal and math ability

• Have patience/persistence needed to carry out complicated experiments

• Visualize how flat drawings or pictures would look as solid objects

• Be able to see detail in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• See details and recognize errors in numbers, spelling, and punctuation

• Be able to make evaluations based on measurable standards

• Be able to work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Calculate the specific rotation of cortisone from these data. When 500 mg of cortisone was dissolved in 100 ml of ethanol and the solution was placed in a 25 cm polarimeter tube, the observed rotation of the solution was +2.61 degrees.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons. Since an atom is electrically neutral, this means that electrons are negatively charged and that the number of electrons must be equal to the number of protons.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any findings that you observed while conducting your research.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at your observed data and then intellectually conclude the results.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement. Advanced degrees are required for many beginning jobs, especially those in research or teaching. A Ph.D. degree is necessary to conduct advanced biochemical research and to advance to many management and administrative jobs. Civil Service examinations may be required for Biochemists who wish to work for government agencies.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

BIOCHEMISTRY

Programs in Biochemistry provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in areas related to the chemistry of materials fundamental to life. Biochemists explain biological functions in chemical terms. They contribute to our understanding of the structure and functioning of all organisms, tissues, and cells.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check Military website at http://www.myfuture.com .

LIFE SCIENTISTS

The military conducts studies of human and animal diseases to understand their causes and to find treatments. Harmful pests and bacteria are studied to find ways to protect people and food against illness or infection. Life scientists study the biology and chemistry of living organisms.

What They Do

Life scientists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study bacteria and parasites to determine how they invade and affect humans or animals

• Study the effects of diseases, poisons, and radiation on laboratory animals

• Study the effect of drugs, chemicals, and gases on living organisms

• Study ways of protecting humans through immunization from disease

• Direct blood banks and study blood chemistry

• Study the effects of aerospace flight, temperature, and movement on human physiology

• Study food storage and handling methods

• Study ways of keeping bases and ships free from pests and contagious diseases

• Conduct experiments and write technical reports

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation. Some specialties require a master's degree or medical degree.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation. However, advanced courses are available in some specialties.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific work

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely

• Interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical research

• Interest in collecting and analyzing scientific data

Work Environment

Life scientists work in medical, clinical, and research laboratories and, at times, in food processing or storage plants. They may work outdoors while conducting field work on land or aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian life scientists work for universities, government agencies, medical laboratories, blood banks, pharmaceutical firms, chemical companies, or in private practice. They perform duties similar to those performed by military life scientists. Depending on their specialty, civilian life scientists may be called biochemists, biologists, entomologists, immunologists, medical technologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, or veterinarians.

Opportunities

The services have about 500 life scientists. On average, they need 30 new life scientists each year. Newly commissioned life scientists are normally assigned to a laboratory, where they conduct research under the direction of more experienced scientists. In time, life scientists may manage their own research projects and direct other officers. Eventually, they may become directors or research laboratories or hold other senior management positions in the health research field.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the specialized nature of the work, it is difficult to gain experience until college. However, high school courses in chemistry and biology as well as postsecondary programs in biochemistry, along with hobbies in the same areas, allow students the opportunity to work with some of the equipment and techniques used in biochemistry.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Chemist's employer

internships

volunteer work with a Chemist's employer

community service work with an agency

The Department of Agriculture is one of the federal agencies which participate in the cooperative education program, offering the chance to gain work experience and an income while going to college. Some professional associations also have student chapters on college campuses. Participation in the activities of these groups allows students to explore the work. Military service may also offer opportunities for experience.

Entry is usually gained through direct application to employers. Some graduates may obtain jobs through recommendations of their college professors. College placement offices can help you find available positions or locate employers. Professional journals frequently list job opportunities for beginning, as well as experienced Biochemists. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM  

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Biochemists depend mostly on education and length and type of experience. Salaries are higher for Biochemists in private industry than for those working in government or teaching.

Nationally, depending on their degree, academic record and the employer, graduates of college programs in chemistry, including biochemistry were offered annual starting salaries of (1998):

      The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Experienced Industrial Biochemists, with a bachelor's degree, earned average annual salaries of $49,600 in 1998. Those with a master's degree earned $57,700, while those who have Ph.D.'s averaged $73,300.

In the 1997-98 school year, average annual salaries for college teachers in life sciences in public universities and colleges employed nationally were:

Laboratory scientists, including Biochemists, employed by the State of Michigan earned between $28,668 and $60,134 in mid 1999. Administrators earned between $37,668 and $66,419 a year. Some Biochemists, especially those working for colleges and universities, supplement their incomes through outside research, or consulting. Some may receive annual bonuses in addition to their regular salary.

Most Biochemists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; paid sick leave; and a retirement plan. Some companies also provide savings and stock investment plans. Some Biochemists receive tuition reimbursement. College teachers may also receive a sabbatical leave (year or 6 months of paid absence for study or research) at 50% to 100% of their yearly salary after 6-7 years of teaching.

Biochemists in research work may advance to supervisory positions. Those teaching in colleges and universities may advance to professor. Advancement is faster for those with advanced degrees.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 82,600 biological scientists including Biochemists, were employed in 1996. A nearly equal number of persons held biology faculty positions. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006.

Growth is anticipated because of efforts to find cures for diseases, the increased need for genetically engineered products, and because of public concern over environmental protection. Pharmaceutical companies in particular are hiring synthetic organic Chemists for drug discovery research. The robust recruiting occurring currently on college campuses is tempered by the realization that a downturn in the global economy could cause some companies to pull back on hiring plans.

Even in academia, hiring has picked up, although universities and colleges are more particular than ever about hiring because of the high cost of bringing an assistant professor on board and tight research funding. Even when start-up funds are available, both research universities and undergraduate institutions are likely to leave positions unfilled until they find a candidate that is essentially guaranteed to work out. However, the academic job market will continue to increase as retirements, relocations, promotions and department expansions open up slots.

The exact number of Biochemists employed in Michigan is unknown, although they should number several hundred. Many are employed by colleges and universities, while some work for private drug, pesticide, and cosmetic companies. Others work for federal, state, and local government agencies, or for nonprofit research institutes and foundations. A few Biochemists were self-employed as consultants.

Employment in Michigan is expected to increase through the year 2005. A growing concern over chemicals released in the environment, along with research to determine the causes of, and cures for, diseases should create a need for additional Biochemists. The increase of biotechnology, particularly genetic engineering, should provide additional employment opportunities for Biochemists at all educational levels. However, the overall outlook depends on the economy which, in turn, affects the amount of government spending on research and development. Because spending on research and development is usually reduced during poor economic times, the demand for Biochemists may be reduced during these periods.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Biochemist can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development